My Best Jamboree Experience

We want to help you maximize your jamboree
experience. There is so much to do and so many
ways that you can prepare for a fun-filled time.

Follow these helpful suggestions to ensure
your patrol and unit makes decisions together
and gets ready to have the best Jamboree
experience possible!

Planning My Day

Can you believe that we only have 12 days at the Jamboree? To make the most of it, you and your patrol need to plan how to best use every hour of the day.

TAKE CARE OF MYSELF

It is so important to take care of ourselves at the Jamboree. Make sure to care for yourself and carry the right gear. But also look out for your friends and remember to start each day with careful planning for the adventure ahead. Please read these sections carefully to get the most out of your Jamboree experience.

WATER! ¡AGUA! L’EAU!

Water is the most important health and safety tool you have. It may be warm at the Jamboree, and you will be active every day. Two water bottles are on the required pack list for everyone—participants and ISTs alike. Replacement bottles can be purchased in the Jamboree Trading Shops. Across the Summit Bechtel Reserve, there are plenty of water filling stations. There will also be a water faucet at the back of each shower house, where you can fill up your water bottle.

To help you know how much water you need, follow the Water Intake Guide card that each participant and staff member has received. Even if you are not thirsty, your body needs the water to replace body fluids.

Sometimes water is not enough. Your body may also need electrolytes, which are found in Gatorade® or PowerAde® products. The Jamboree Food Team will provide Scouts and IST members the opportunity to include powdered drink sticks with their lunch. Simply add this powder to your water bottle and create a flavored beverage that is great for lunches or throughout your active days.

Drinks with caffeine or large amounts of sugar such as soft drinks can reduce how much water your body holds.

SEVERE HEAT

The Summit Bechtel Reserve uses a system of flags to warn Scouts of dangerous heat:

Announcements will be made when Red or Black flag temperatures are reached, and some programs may be delayed or stopped. Also follow the Urine Color Chart to know your level of hydration.

SUN PROTECTION

The start of each day. Serious sunburn can make you very sick and cause permanent skin damage, which can result in skin cancer. Remember that you will be exposed to the sun for 10 or more hours each day. Waterproof sportstype silicone-based sunscreen with SPF 30 is the best. Cover all sensitive areas such as your nose, lips, face, ears, neck, backs of knees, arms, and any other areas not protected by your clothing.

Take care of your patrol and friends; make sure you stay safe from the sun. Hats and sunglasses are good, but are not enough alone.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Scouting is also about exploring, which means you may not stay clean for long. However, good hygiene is more than just looking neat and clean. Good hygiene practices can reduce the spread of disease.

Hand-Washing

Wash your hands often. Most diseases are spread by touching dirty hands to food, cuts, eyes, nose, and/or mouth. This is especially important if you are cooking for your patrol or unit. Hands should be washed:

Before food preparation and meals

After using the toilet

After contact with a person who is not feeling well

When hands are obviously dirty

Before and after changing a bandage on yourself or someone else

Hand sanitizer is a great short-term option but is not a replacement for soap and water. Keeping your hands clean will help keep you and those around you healthy!

Bathing

Shower often! Take a shower at least once each day and change into clean, dry clothes. Remember, cotton clothing dries very slowly in humid climates like the Jamboree site. Non-cotton fabrics are preferable. Showers also give you a chance to examine yourself for signs of injury, rash, or insect bites. Use plenty of soap!

Foot Care

Because walking is the main means of transportation at the Jamboree site, it is important to take care of your feet. Here are some pieces of advice to prevent foot problems:

Make sure that you have the proper footwear. New shoes that are not broken in should not be worn.

Do not wear socks that are too tight, have holes, are dirty, or are wrinkled.

At the first sign of a blister or cut, your unit leader should be consulted.

Cover tender spots with adhesive or other dressings, and use foot powder.

Shoes should be worn at all times, except when in tents or swimming.

REST

It is very important that you sleep well to stay healthy and energized. Short naps of 60 to 90 minutes during late afternoon may also help. Missed hours of sleep become worse over time, causing your mood and health to change. Naps while on buses and flights also are a good idea to keep up on sleep. Be your best self, and get good rest!

EATING WELL AND EATING SAFE

You will have lots of healthy food to choose from, which will keep you healthy and active. Minimize snack foods, candy, and fast food. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Fibrous foods will help maintain a regular digestive flow. Be careful not to eat old or unrefrigerated foods that may cause food poisoning. If in doubt, do not eat it—throw it out!

WILD ANIMALS AND PLANTS

The Jamboree really is in the wild! Do not approach or feed snakes, bears, raccoons, or bats. They are not pets and may carry diseases or defend themselves. Leaving food in your campsite might attract these animals. Any bites from animals must immediately be reported to medical staff.

We also have plants that will cause rashes. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are all around. Mountain laurel is especially dangerous. Do not touch any part of this plant.

Bugs! Black widow spiders, brown recluse spiders, and ticks are of serious concern. Plan to check for ticks daily (at a minimum) and anytime you are in tall grass or the woods. Speak with medical staff if you have concerns about bites. Bees, hornets, wasps, and mosquitoes are other bugs that might bother you. You should apply insect repellent on exposed skin and wear pants plus longsleeve shirts (weather permitting) while hiking in wooded areas or in the evening.

Like any camping trip, it helps to be aware of the potential dangers in the area, so you know what to watch for and what to do if you have an issue.

IMPORTANT: No food is allowed in sleeping tents!

WHERE IS MY BUDDY?

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is a huge area of 10,000 acres (4,050 hectares), consisting of water, land, forests, and mountains. To keep everyone safe, using the “buddy system” at the 24th World Scout Jamboree is an official policy for all youth. Leaders and adults also benefit from a buddy system.

How does it work? Each time you leave the campsite, whether for an activity, a show, or a trip to another base camp, you will pair up with another Scout. Together, you become “buddies” and will stay together until you return to your campsite. Each time you return to your campsite, you can change buddies. Outside of camp, do not leave your buddy without both of you joining new buddy groups.

Why? Having a buddy will often prevent you from getting lost, forgetting items, or leaving the path. It is a great way to make sure you are safe but also it is there to ensure you have a wonderful time.

You will not need a buddy in your unit’s camping area, when in stores, or when walking from one local campsite to another. But activities can be far away and the paths can be confusing at first. Therefore, having a buddy with you at all other times is a requirement at this Jamboree.

Your buddy can change every day and does not need to be from your home unit. However, you should check with your unit leaders to make sure that you are following the rules of your contingent.

But what about my Scout patrol? If you choose, you can plan to do all activities with your whole patrol together as a buddy group. Just make sure that everyone is together before leaving an area. Whether you are with one buddy or in a group of 10, the most important part is to plan together, divide responsibilities, make decisions that support everyone, and have fun!

JAMBOREE APP

To find out what is happening around you and across the Jamboree, make sure to download and use the official 24th World Scout Jamboree app. This app is the most important tool you have to ensure your best jamboree experience (other than this wonderful guidebook, of course).

The Jamboree app will include the latest updates, maps, schedules, and more! But it also will help you make decisions about your own day by giving you wait time estimates, distances, and activity options. The primary mode of transportation is by foot. You will need to walk long distances between activities, often uphill. Be prepared and account for the extra time it will take you to get places.

Also, every morning at 06:30 an email newsletter will be sent out with key information and schedule changes for youth, unit leaders, IST, and HOC. You may want to keep an eye out for this information for daily planning.

MY EQUIPMENT AND GEAR

Bring the right tools to make sure your adventure is amazing! Double-check your shoes, clothing, and bag. Ensure that these things are exactly as you need them BEFORE you and your group head out.

Footwear

Few things on your Jamboree packing list are more important than SHOES! Sturdy shoes are a requirement for crossing the huge Jamboree site. Shoes should have laces, be closed-toe, and be light enough for program areas like biking, climbing, or skateboarding.

Tennis/track/athletic shoes will be good for most activities but may not offer you the all-day support that your feet need. In rain or during trail activities, will your shoes hold up?

We recommend “trail walking shoes,” which meet all of the recommendations above. Any shoes you bring should be well broken-in before you arrive. Open-toe shoes and sandals are NOT appropriate for Jamboree activities outside of the unit campsites and shower houses. Open-toe shoes are not permitted at ANY activity centers.

My Backpack for the Day

As you start your day, there are a number of items that you and your patrol should carry in your daypack. These are called the “10 Safety Essentials.” These items are:

World Jamboree ID

World Jamboree site map

Water bottle(s)

Sunscreen

Hat

Hand sanitizer

Lip balm with sunscreen

Rain gear or poncho

Personal first-aid kit

Flashlight

Depending on your plans for the day, you may want to carry other items such as insect repellent and extra snacks. Packing all the items you need in your daypack will keep you prepared for a fun-filled day.

Remember, there are some items that can be shared between your patrol members, such as sunscreen or hand sanitizer. Make sure to discuss with your buddy or patrol who is bringing what before leaving.

My Medical First-Aid Kit As Scouts, we should be ready to care for our injuries and help others in need. It is a requirement to carry a personal medical kit with you each day. Make sure to discuss with your buddy or patrol who is bringing what before leaving. It is important to pack the following items:

Moleskin or blister pads

A small tube of antibiotic ointment

Tweezers

Scissors

Adhesive bandages

Two or three gauze pads

Tape

Aloe vera lotion

Sunscreen

Hand sanitizer

Pain relievers

Remember, your unit also has a large medical kit! Caring for your own minor injuries or asking for help from unit leaders allows for Jamboree medical staff to spend more time on serious injuries and illnesses.

New Friends and Adventures

When deciding where to go, make sure to explore all of the different program areas that the Jamboree has! There are adventure activities, exhibit tents, interactive expositions, and exciting multicultural communities to explore. See and enjoy them all!

Why is it important to try new things and visit diverse activities? Because a World Scout Jamboree offers a special occasion to develop new abilities, make new friends, and go higher in your personal Scouting progression. Where is a better place to engage with Better World Framework initiatives such as Messengers of Peace, Scouts of the World Award, World Scout Environment Programme, and others? We want you to have an adventure, learn new things, and be recognized for your growth, all at once!

NOVUS WRISTBANDS

Every Jamboree attendee will receive a Novus wristband when they arrive to the Jamboree. This device, which is worn like a watch, is unique to each individual. It will allow you to interact with exhibits, activities, and each other. As you interact, a timeline of your experience will be compiled that you then can take home at the end of the event—your personal Jamboree story. If you meet a new friend that you want to keep in touch with after the Jamboree, you are able to swap your basic contact information by putting your Novus wristbands together and then both pressing the button at the same time. The amount and type of information shared is determined by you. Participation is completely voluntary and no data is shared outside of the Jamboree. The Novus wristbands are also part of the Novus: Jamboree Wide Game, with participants receiving points for certain interactions. Points are scored by visiting Jamboree activities, interacting with other participants, and completing special challenges across the Summit Bechtel Reserve.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

The world is wonderfully diverse—in language, customs, religion, culture, and so much more. We all have many of the same values, notwithstanding our gender, race, or personal preferences. We must treat everyone with the same values and attitudes that we wish to be treated with. We have come to the Jamboree to enjoy and share in this richness. What makes us different makes us special.

But differences can also cause confusion, misunderstandings, and even discomfort. What is normal for you may not be acceptable in another culture and you too may be surprised by the practices of other Scouts. It is important to remember that we share this space and that we all must treat our neighbors with both respect and forgiveness. As Scouts, we do not mean to offend others. Accidents and mistakes happen, but sometimes people just do things differently than you. That is OK and is a learning opportunity for everyone.

Feeling Uncomfortable or Threatened

If you feel uncomfortable, we hope you will say something. Perhaps your unit leader or a Listening Ear IST could help. Perhaps you are able to tell the person how their actions make you feel.

Being placed in an uncomfortable situation will likely be the result of an accident or misunderstanding. It may also represent something that is unique to the cultural practices or personal identity of another Scout. These practices may be different than your own experience.

No matter what, you should always feel safe. You should never feel targeted, harassed, or threatened. Speak to an adult if you feel that your discomfort was intentional. We are here to help you have a safe and rewarding Jamboree experience. Moreover, always remember that younger Scouts are looking up to you and we must set a good example for all.

What About Relationships?

When many people gather from all over the world, it sometimes happens that you find a person that you like very much. Please remember that we are from many cultures and not every culture has the same approach to relationships. It is important that we work hard not to make others feel uncomfortable and to always talk things out. If you feel concerned about these matters, speak to the Listening Ear IST or your adult leaders. We are here to help.

My International Neighbors

Cultural differences are a constant opportunity to learn, practice tolerance, and share mutual respect and understanding. How lucky we are to have the chance to meet new people and engage with new ideas. These interactions are exciting and it is the best part of the Jamboree!

At home, our neighbors often speak the same language, eat the same types of food, and enjoy similar traditions. At the World Scout Jamboree, you do not have to travel far to experience new adventures—wonderful new experiences are right in your own campsite!

Invite others to dine with you. Make new friends. Exchange information. Take a photo together!

Listening Ear

Friendly and trained Listening Ear IST will be throughout the Jamboree, clearly uniformed. There will also be Listening Ears who will be walking around. If you would like to speak to a chaplain or faith advisor, there is already one assigned to your unit, or another advisor from your own faith can be provided to you. Just ask any Listening Ear IST member for more help. If you or a friend would like additional help or more privacy, simply visit the medical tent in your base camp where other friendly staff can help and guide you.

Other Uniforms at the Jamboree

We as Scouts wear uniforms as a symbol of service and as a member of our group. You will see many uniforms at the Jamboree site.

But do not fear uniforms that may seem more formal, such as those worn by doctors, police, and military. These people are all here to help.

We are proud of those who serve others, many of whom were Scouts and still are Scouters! Say “hello,” wave, or say “thank you” on your way by. They make the Jamboree possible!

SWAPPING BADGES AND SOUVENIRS

Many people bring things to Jamborees to trade and swap: patches, badges, woggles, neckerchiefs, and other keepsakes. If you would like to sit down and trade with others, please make sure you are not blocking people or vehicles. Find a safe location, maybe in the shade. Swapping in the IST Dining Halls is not allowed. Be fair and honest, trade items with the same value, and remember that friendship is more important than any object you can hold in your hands.

Please note that adults and youth participants are not allowed to trade with each other. This is a Safe From Harm rule to ensure no young person owes something to an adult. Selling or buying any items outside of Jamboree Trading Shops is not allowed.

ROVER BRIGADE

You will see many young adult ISTs (ages 18-25) facilitating social experiences and providing quick-reaction support across the Jamboree site. These young ISTs are members of the Rover Brigade. The Rover Brigade is comprised of the Puma Patrol and Baden-Powell Corps. You will see these special ISTs at Stadium Shows, welcoming units on arrival day, leading evening games, and so much more. They are the face, spirit, and heartbeat of the Jamboree!

Puma Patrol

Members of the Puma Patrol will serve as the social and cultural hosts for the 24th World Scout Jamboree. They will be in the subcamps teaching games, leading evening reflections, participating in the Base Camp Bashes, and generally making sure everyone is having a great experience. Look for them across the Jamboree and see how they can support your experience!

Baden-Powell Corps

The Baden-Powell Corps (BP Corps) is the helping hand and logistical support team to the program areas and major Jamboree events. They will help facilitate a smooth and safe Jamboree by providing extra support, wherever it is needed.